Selectors ask PCB to clear stand on Shoaib

The national selection committee has asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to make it clear whether controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar could be considered for the final squad for Champions Trophy next month.

The selectors are due to consult with the team captain Shoaib Malik and coach Geoff Lawson on Monday over the final make up of the squad for the eight nation tournament before submitting their final 15 players to the Board on Tuesday, when the deadline given by the ICC for participating nations to submit their final teams ends.

"The selectors have asked the Board to let them know the status about Shoaib, especially because of his existing dispute with the PCB over the payment of a seven million rupees fine imposed on him by the appellate tribunal in June," one source said.

The PCB allowed Shoaib to play in the two trial matches in Multan on Friday and Saturday to prove his fitness level after he was picked in the preliminary squad of 30 players for the Champions trophy last month.

But sources said the PCB is still keen to pay up the fine to Shoaib, who has filed a writ petition in the Lahore high court against the 18 months ban and fine imposed on him by the appellate tribunal, before he plays for Pakistan again.

"The Board is clear that the court which will take up the petition for hearing in September has suspended the ban but not the fine and even if the final decision goes in favour of the fast bowler, the Board can return the money to him," the source said.